Phil Coutinho to Barcelona – what we know

The other big off-season rumour is turning up the heat as FC Barcelona appears to be hunting down the services of Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho.

Reports from several hours ago suggest that an official bid has been made for the player – but it’s likely Liverpool will reject the offer as they do want to hold onto him.

Sky Sports UK is suggesting that Phil wants to leave the Reds for Barcelona, in direct opposition to Juergen Klopp’s instance that he will stay.

A bid of $200m AUD (£120m) is said to being prepared by Barca. The Daily Mail (so take this one with a hint of bs) said Barca “believes” that they’ll have their man.

Spanish paper Sport suggests; “Barcelona have reached a complete deal with the player while bit by bit the work done by Barcelona has undermined that of the Liverpool directors… Barcelona will return in the coming days to seal the operation.”

But then on the other hand, Spanish football expert, Guillem Balague tweeted – LFC “rejected the only offer to date of €80m in 45 minutes,” affirming their desire not to sell.